Safety and survival manufacturer Artex has developed new assistance for customers who want to replace their legacy Artex 121.5/243 MHz emergency locator transmitter (ELT) with a new Artex 406 MHz ELT. 406 MHz is the standard monitored frequency that alerts search and rescue authorities around the world to distress signals, enabling them to respond quickly to emergencies.

Artex is providing the additional support in response to the 2019 FCC (Federal Communication Commission) rule prohibiting the manufacture, importation or sale of 121.5 MHz ELTs in the US, a move that further accelerates the industry's ongoing transition to 406 MHz ELTs following the discontinuation of the satellite-based monitoring of the 121.5/243 MHz frequencies 10 years ago.

As a supplier of ELTs to a wide category of aircraft, Artex, an ACR Electronics brand, is facilitating the product progression with special rebates up to $200 and promotions for existing customers, as well as guidance about the relevant product upgrades available to minimise installation costs.

Vice president of aviation sales Jeffery Geraci says: “We are recommending that our customers replace their legacy 121.5/243 MHz ELT now with a 406 MHz version. The driving factor behind this recommendation is that battery components are no longer available, and 121.5/243 MHz ELTs are no longer satellite compatible. ACR has worked hard to keep these legacy ELTs in service for over 35 years, but the timing of the FCC rule coupled with parts obsolescence is dictating action. Upgrading to a 406 MHz ELT now, rather than investing more money on replacing your 121.5/243 ELT battery systems to service an obsoleted ELT, is recommended.

“Artex is perfectly positioned to offer exceptional replacement assistance with a complete line of world class products for every aircraft type. We want to make the transition as easy as possible for our customers with specific upgrade advice and special rebates for our customers who make the move to a new Artex 406 MHz ELT. It is crucial that customers are aware that owning a 406 MHz ELT will significantly benefit pilots, passengers and rescue personnel by enhancing the ability of rescue authorities to find and assist casualties of aircraft crashes.”

Due to the age of legacy ELTs and the difficulty in parts procurement, battery systems for Artex 121.5/243 MHz ELTs will be obsolete from January 2020. For Artex customers, replacing an existing 121.5/243 MHz ELT battery pack will only provide compliance with FCC/FAA regulations for the two-year life of the battery pack. Once the battery life expires, existing Artex 121.5/243 MHz ELTs will need to be upgraded with an Artex 406 MHz ELT.

Customers replacing a legacy Artex ELT now are entitled to a special Artex promotional rebate and will also save money on the replacement battery for their 121.5/243 MHz ELT. Artex 406 MHz ELTs have a five to six-year battery life, so the cost of ownership is less than the two-year batteries on 121/243 MHz ELT.

Aircraft operators are not prohibited from continuing to use 121.5/243 MHz ELTs now installed in aircraft, despite the FCC rule prohibiting their manufacture and sale.

ACR Electronics designs, produces and supports an array of Artex ELTs, battery packs and accessories worldwide. Artex ELTs serve a wide category of aircraft ranging from general aviation to leading airframe manufacturers, large commercial airlines, and government aircraft.